A Blog for Motorcycle Enthusiasts Since 2008

2010 has been an amazing year for me. I accomplished nearly all of the motorcycle-related goals that I had set forth, as well as a few unexpected ones. When I recall that in 2009 I had only gone on my first overnight trip on my own bike, I am completely amazed that by 2010 I was leading groups on overnight trips! I planned and led sixteen motorcycles on a weekend trip to the Williamsport HOG Poker Run in June. Wow, that was a total blast… especially dinner at Bamboo Bernie’s & dancing at Cancun Cantina West across the street from our hotel! I’m sure that trip along with my weekly mid-day summer ride series played a large part in my being voted in as a full patched Road Captain for First State HOG.

I also planned out routes and led the majority of the way on several trips with my hubby. Jay & I spent the weekend at Gettysburg Bike Week and took two four-day trips along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Each of those was an amazing experience too. It was pouring here when we left for Gettysburg, but the radar clearly showed that the storm was moving out and we’d see sunshine by the time we arrived at our destination. So we geared up and headed out into the rain. At one point during the rain delay and debate that morning Jay asked me why we should ride our bikes instead of taking the cozy dry car, and I responded “because we are motorcyclists, that’s what we do!”

That comment couldn’t have been more appropriate to describe my accomplishments over spring break. Not only did I challenge myself over some pretty rough and quite unfamiliar mountain terrain during the few days we visited the Blue Ridge Parkway, but I also took several more local day trips & rides throughout the rest of my break – totaling over 2000 miles for the week!

Speaking of mileage, I did fall about 250 miles short of hitting the 20K mark on my Harley’s odometer before this snap of below-freezing temperatures settled in. The other goal I did not achieve was getting certified as a motorcycle safety instructor. Unfortunately, the course schedule conflicted with not just one but two different trips that I was not going to miss. C’est la vie…there’s always next year.

I got a new cage this year (albeit topless), and in addition to that my bike has also seen a few changes. I got a J&M CB radio for my handlebar – it works great in being able to communicate with my fellow Road Captains. And after searching high & low, I finally accepted that I was going to have to fork out the $400+ for a Mustang seat if I wanted a solo w/backrest for my Dyna. I am totally glad I did – and so is my chiropractor!

Looking forward to 2011, I have a simple plan…RIDE! I want to visit Maggie Valley & Pigeon Forge, I plan to take a group to Gettysburg, and I’m thinking of visiting Skyline drive again (this time on my own bike). I want to ride to, and around, Deep Creek Lake, and visit the wind turbines and waterfalls… maybe finally get to visit Falling Waters (a house designed by genius architect Frank Lloyd Wright that sits on a waterfall)! I might even take part in America’s 9-11 Foundation Ride this year. Regardless, if you’re looking for me in 2011 chances are you’ll find me with my knees in the breeze!

Its great to be able to accomplish what you actually set out for! You did so, and more! I absolutely love that shot of you riding down the highway and the one with you on the bike underneath the hanging motorcycle! Congrats on the new wheels too girl! Wishing that all the goals you are hoping for this year get granted.